How can you let go of 150 beds: HC questions Delhi govt logic not to take over shut hospital

Also Read: Delhi: Doctor Moves HC Asking To Use His Shut 150-Bed Hospital For COVID Patients

Delhi government standing counsel Santosh K Tripathi said the hospital was not functional at the moment and the government has no policy to take over a private hospital.

"We are not in normal times. You have to think out of the box. How can you let go of a 150-bed hospital? You do not have to spend any money. He is bringing his own team of doctors. Impose any condition on him," the court said and asked the Delhi government to file a reply by the next date of hearing on May 12.

The court said the reply will contain the conditions that need to be imposed on the petitioner with regard to the running of the hospital.

The bench was hearing a plea by Dr Rakesh Saxena seeking permission to operate the Febris Multispeciality Hospital to cater to COVID-19 patients in the national capital during the prevailing pandemic.

Saxena, who set up Febris Multispeciality Hospital under the parent company Durha Vitrak Pvt Ltd, said that considering the serious situation in the national capital -- grappling with a huge surge in COVID-19 infections and shortage of beds, oxygen and medicines -- his hospital be used to help people.

He has said the Centre or Delhi government can take over the hospital closed since 2019 and use the facilities there for COVID-19 patients.

In his petition, he has urged the court to direct the renewal of the license of the hospital in view of the prevailing emergent situation on the ground.

The corporate insolvency resolution process was initiated against the company on an application filed before the National Company Law Tribunal by the LIC Housing Finance Ltd, a creditor of Durha Vitrak Pvt Ltd.